Tipping at home and abroad - when to do it and how much to leave...

Off on holiday? Check our guide to tipping abroad. Plus all you need to know about tipping here at home

The subject of tipping can be an angsty one for us Brits.
But it takes a brazen soul to scrimp on tips for restaurant staff who earn the minimum wage – or even substantially less than that. Here's the lowdown on thrifty tipping

The rules...Don’t tip on your card
If you pay on your card, then you run the risk of this money going straight to the company. You are within your rights to ask for an optional service charge – typically 12.5 per cent – to be removed from the bill. Then leave a cash tip if you wish – usually 10 per cent.

Ask the manager
If you want to know exactly where your money will go, ask your waiter in the first instance, but beware some restaurants do not allow their staff to tell you. A waiter who did just this then was fired for bringing the “company into disrepute” and is awaiting his employment tribunal, said a union official. If you suspect your waiter has been gagged, you can ask the manager to tell you.

Vouchershame
You have a two-for-one voucher and then you wonder how much you should tip when the bill’s under a tenner. Well, after taking advice from the manager of a chain restaurant, we recommend a 10 per cent cash tip of the value your meal would be before the discount – that is, if you have good service.

Tipping in pubs?
More common than it used to be. Many gastro pubs do sneakily add a service charge on food so check your bill. Then apply rules 1 or 2.

Sushi tipping
Leave a 10 per cent cash tip if you like... we know the dishes aren’t strictly served up with them being on a conveyor belt and all, but it’s nice to tip the chefs if you have enjoyed the goods.

Swanky bar tipping
So you’re sitting in a bar enjoying a Martini and a waitress asks if you would like another drink. As you’re deep in conversation, you accept even though the bar’s 4ft away. Then the bill comes and there’s a service charge added. Get it taken off and leave a cash tip if you like, but beware this is the thin end of the wedge: next thing we’ll be tipping like the US – crazy!

Double tipping rage
Don’t get mad, get even over this irritant. It’s when you are charged for service and then asked to make a tip on top. Often this happens when you pay by card and don’t notice when handed the card reader. It’s easily done at the end of a good evening. Simply take off the service charge if it’s optional, score a line through the space on the bill asking you for even more money and leave a cash tip, if the food, service and experience warrants it.

ON HOLIDAY

Australia
Tipping is basically nonexistent.

Canada
Most service staff in Canada expect something in the 10-20% tip range, depending on what city, if it's French or English Canada, and the level of service. Do not tip if service is bad. If the service is really bad, leave a nickel – they should get the message.

China
You'll never have to tip anywhere in China. It's the one consolation from the fact that foreigners are charged more. The one exception is if you have a tour guide - they often rely on tips.

Egypt Tipping’s a way of life.

France In restaurants, though not at bars, service must be included in the price, by law. It is usually about 15% or so. The words service compris (tip included) indicate that the tip has already been included in the total to be paid.

Germany Tipping seems strange to
many Germans.

Greece - In Greece, tipping is expected for good service, especially if you are a tourist.

Italy No tip is expected in restaurants throughout Italy. If you feel guilty, just remember that you are being charged a coperto ('cover charge') or possibly for pane ('bread'), as well. If you're feeling generous, you can leave some coins on the table as you leave.

Spain The Spanish rarely tip - if they do it is small change, a euro or two - but if you are in a resort or area frequented by Brits or Americans you will probably be expected to tip.

New Zealand The rule used to be don't tip. Ever. New Zealand workers are paid a decent wage to start with and so a tip will be a pleasant surprise. Tipping has become a bit more popular in recent years.

United States Restaurants in the USA
usually call for a 20% tip, and if you don't tip you may get chased by tour server when you leave the restaurant to ask why. However, if your server is a complete jerk, you aren't expected to give them a dime of your money. For us Brits, the US can be a pain what with having to put your hand in your pocket many times a day.